Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “If You Build It ...” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

If You Build It ...

Dwier Brown (Goodreads Author)

4.61 · Rating details · 120 ratings · 32 reviews

If You Build It... is a funny and moving memoir about Fathers, Fate and Field of Dreams. Dwier Brown played Kevin Costner's father for five minutes at the end of the movie Field of Dreams. Despite being an actor for 35 years and performing in hundreds of other films, plays and television shows, it was those five minutes that changed his life. Since the movie's release in ...more

Get A Copy

Paperback, 264 pages

Published April 2014 by Elsie Jean Books

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about If You Build It ..., please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about If You Build It ...

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 4.61 ·

Rating details

· 120 ratings · 32 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of If You Build It ...

Apr 11, 2016 Joyce rated it really liked it

Shelves: memoir, set-in-the-midwest

There are many things I don't understand about myself. One of them is the attraction I have for baseball films although I am not particularly fond of watching the game in person or on TV. "Field of Dreams" is a movie about baseball but really about family and trying to fix mistakes. It is on my list of films that I watch every year or so - always in Spring.
This past week I found myself in Iowa and persuaded my husband to take me to Dyersville where the movie set has remained with a baseball ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Aug 22, 2016 Beverly rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2016

As a fan of memoirs, baseball, and baseball movies, I really enjoyed IF YOU BUILD IT. Throughout most of the book, Brown shares stories of his relationship with his father and his experiences working on the film FIELD OF DREAMS. He also includes several stories that fans of the film have told him over the years about how the film affected their lives. Some of them are very moving.

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Sep 12, 2019 Ralph rated it really liked it

3.5 stars. Nicely written memoir with some cool "inside baseball" parts about his "Field of Dreams" scenes. We bought this book at Calfee Park in Pulaski, Va., when Mr. Brown was visiting minor league ballparks during a book tour.

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Aug 13, 2019 Russ rated it it was amazing

A pleasant surprise by first time author Brown about his role in the filming of "Field of Dreams". If you have not read "Shoeless Joe" or seen the movie I will refrain from spoilers. The book is an autobiography interspersed with stories of people he met as a result of his role in the movie. It was a quick read, thoroughly enjoyable.

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Aug 17, 2014 Jim rated it really liked it

More than thirty years ago, I had the honor of meeting Dwier Brown through summer theatre at Ashland College (now University). At the time, in the back of my mind, I'd hoped to become a writer some day. But I never thought both of us would become published authors. I justifiably hoped Dwier would become a successful actor, and followed his career in various plays, films and TV shows from afar, spotting him in all-too-small bit parts and the occasional feature film. Of course, his "big break" ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jun 04, 2019 Kevin rated it it was amazing

As probably happened with many others, being a fan of the movie, “Field of Dreams,” I was extremely curious to read Dwier Brown’s experience in this classic film. Having a few acting credits myself, I related to many aspects he discussed about his acting career. Also, since I teach a college course about sports films, I expected his writing would give me more to discuss in the course. Yet, the most meaningful aspects of this book come from Dwier’s discussions of his relationship with his father. ...more

flag Like · see review

Jul 04, 2019 Dave Price rated it it was amazing

I never, EVER read a book anymore....I read this in one day! Many stories of how people’s relationships with their fathers were changed after watching “Field of Dreams” and the scene with Mr. Brown. The book is wonderfully written as stories from the movie set are intertwined with both the aforementioned stories and those of Mr. Browns childhood and adolescence. I had the pleasure of meeting him in Pulaski, Va this last week. A genuine, down-to-earth man who you could see telling this story! It’ ...more

flag Like · see review

Mar 26, 2018 nimrodiel rated it really liked it

Shelves: non-fiction, 2018-books-read, bookcrossing-books, wild-releases, memior

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book when I picked it up. I found this to be a heartfelt memoir about growing up in rural Ohio, and the author's relationship with his father. Interspersed with his role as John Kinsella and the filming of Field of Dreams. He shared some of the recognition stories he has had over the years as the father from field of Dreams. All have shared how much the movie has meant to them when they saw it when they saw it the first time . I probably wouldn't have ...more

flag Like · see review

Mar 12, 2019 Brad Weinfurter rated it it was amazing

I am a fan of the movie and had an opportunity to meet Dwier at a Northwoods League baseball game in summer of 2018. Impressed by his like ability and how friendly he was to my kids prompted me to purchase this book. I only read a couple books a year but could not put this one down! Must read to anyone who likes the movie, you will cry again only laugh as well! Wonderful stories about the movie, life in general and of course dads. A real treat! Thanks Dwier!

flag Like · see review

Jun 21, 2014 Dan rated it it was amazing

I enjoy starting my little book synopses with backgrounds of what brought a book into my hands and it’s often a casual affair. Not this time. To understand why I had this book less than 3 minutes after I learned of its existence, it would help to understand who its author, Dwier Brown is. If you don’t know, it might help to know that he’s an actor who has, among his credits, an unforgettable role, a five minute job, in a movie that isn’t named for his character. His character isn’t a lead. In I enjoy starting my little book synopses with backgrounds of what brought a book into my hands and it’s often a casual affair. Not this time. To understand why I had this book less than 3 minutes after I learned of its existence, it would help to understand who its author, Dwier Brown is. If you don’t know, it might help to know that he’s an actor who has, among his credits, an unforgettable role, a five minute job, in a movie that isn’t named for his character. His character isn’t a lead. In fact, IMDb has him listed ninth in the cast list, just ahead of a character labeled as “Feed Store Farmer”.

And yet, his character is nothing less than the movie’s entire payoff.

This movie is a 1989 feature called Field of Dreams.

It is a based off a W.P. Kinsella book, Shoeless Joe, about a farmer who is inspired to rip out part of his Iowa corn field to build a baseball field. If you’ve read the book or have seen the movie, you already knew everything about this story from the famous movie line referenced by Dwier’s book title. If you haven’t, I will reveal nothing further about the novel or the Universal Pictures movie it inspired. You could read the 1982 book, but in this -exceptionally- rare case, I actually recommend the movie more highly. The last thing I’ll offer about the premise is that the genre is fantasy, but the backdrop is baseball. Dwier’s book is something different, entirely. It is a journey of exploration through the human experience and the family dynamic. Its backdrop is nothing short of love and understanding.

When I discovered Dwier Brown had written a book about his observations on life... his and the lives he’s touched through this five minute movie role, everything in the world stopped to the extent that I could hear my own heart beat in my temples. I knew would buy the paperback copy by the weekend, but this was not a situation where patience was an option: I bought the e-book version and was reading it within minutes. I have to narrow this down before I rave wildly, as this book deserves. This book explores the father/son relationship, as a function of its gifts, lessons, complexities, and challenges.

There are three concurrent threads in “If you Build It”. Dwier simultaneously weaves heart-wrenchingly personal stories from his own childhood and life, with stories from the filming of the movie, and interactions he’s had with... I would say fans of his work, and we most certainly are, but it’s so much more than that...interactions he’s had with people who have been profoundly changed and challenged by his work. Particularly the specific five minutes of his work featured in the movie, Field of Dreams.

He is fearless and open with the fabric and core of his existence as a child and young man. Dwier pours his own life out onto the pages and invites us to crawl around inside his heart, his joys, his fears, his weaknesses with his family, and his curiosities about how he fits into the narrative that his his father’s legacy and even his grandfather’s. He lovingly entrusts us with his vulnerabilities, as he shares the vulnerabilities that people, strangers, have just walked up to him and laid on him. There’s no question that a co-mingling of these deeply personal stories breed understanding, openness, and compassion. If the movie is a tear jerking fantasy, Mr. Brown’s story clearly and precisely translates that fantasy into a masterpiece of reality and the human experience of family. In doing so, he coaxes out of so many, the passionate emotions stirred by the book (that touched him, only a little more than a year before he was picked to play a role in the Hollywood version of it) and the movie that some may have felt the need to keep hidden or buried for a number of reasons.

If you are drawn to this book for the same reasons I was, you will likely find yourself on a surprising journey. You cease to be merely enchanted by the magic and myth of a movie character and you find yourself drawn in by the warmth, the kind graciousness, the humble charm, and the genuine sweetness that is Mr. Dwier Brown. It is obvious why he was chosen for the part. An actor can play a magical role, but you can’t fake Dwier’s authenticity.

Dwier Brown has crafted a beautiful gift for those who have had a deep, shockingly personal connection with Field of Dreams. I imagine you might find title in a bookstore shelved with inspirational books, but don’t do yourself the disservice for even a single heartbeat by thinking this is some sort of new age mumbo jumbo or feel-good fluff. This is as real and as relevant to the relationships between fathers and sons as anything any respected family counselor, psychologist, or cultural anthropologist could ever turn out, except that it’s written with an amount of love and honesty that will grab you by your shoulders and shake you to your core. As stunned and shocked as I was by the original fantasy story in which he played a surprising and prominent role, I was equally touched and moved by Dwier’s delicate book, marrying his life to the lives he’s helped to touch. I have never read a more touching, connective book, a finer gift of love, understanding, compassion, tenderness, and humanity, in all my life. I don’t expect that I will.

Unquestionably this book gets five stars. Maybe it deserves a little more. ...more

flag Like · see review

Mar 25, 2019 Sharon Strouse rated it it was amazing

Besides knowing Dwier as he escaped the Sharon Center renovation(s) of his father's dream house, at Ashland 'College' - I think the book reminds me of working alongside my parents as they shared their dreams and shaped mine... Sharon Helt Strouse

flag Like · see review

Jun 29, 2019 Jeffrey Collum rated it it was amazing

Awesome job of making you feel like you were behind the scenes during the filming of the classic movie, Field of Dreams. My favorite parts of the book were when Dwier retold some stories from fans he has met through the years. Many of them brought tears to my eyes.

flag Like · see review

Aug 18, 2019 Amber Blasl rated it it was amazing

Such a fun read! I loved the format of switching between his childhood, to his time on the set of Field of Dreams, to the people and stories he encountered along the way. I couldn't put it down and would love to read more from him.

flag Like · see review

Feb 11, 2019 Jennifer Darci rated it it was amazing

This book is going on my all-time-faves list. Seriously. And I am NOT a Shoeless Joe book or Field of Dreams movie fan.

flag Like · see review

Apr 21, 2018 Ted rated it it was amazing

One of the most inspirational books that I have ever written. It makes me remember all of the wonderful amazing experiences that I had with my DAD.

flag Like · see review

Oct 26, 2019 Jessica Schwier rated it it was amazing

Wonderful book! I read it aloud to my husband who has alzheimers. He thought it was good. Thanks Dwier!!

flag Like · see review

Sep 11, 2019 Maggie Arteaga rated it really liked it

Now I love the movie even more!

flag Like · see review

Aug 18, 2017 Kait rated it really liked it

This made me cry. I met the author, Dwier Brown, at the Field Of Dreams movie site, he was the father in the movie. Easy read but worth the time! I especially enjoyed the fan accounts interspersed throughout the novel.

flag Like · see review

May 23, 2019 John Wispelwey rated it it was amazing

If you Read It...... you will be blessed by memories of your own childhood and memories of this author, actor, and fine man who weaves a story that will lift your heart, make you smile and moisten your eyes Thank you Dwier for opening up this window into your life and career.

flag Like · see review

Jul 18, 2014 Brian Andersen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own-ebook

I read and watch just about everything about former US President and Army General William Henry Harrison so when I discovered that someone named Dwier Brown portrayed WHH in an episode on the PBS documentary series We Shall Remain, it led to me finding more about him online. I struck up a conversation with Dwier and he was gracious enough to play along and sent me an autograph from him AND WHH. It was through this I learned he played Costner’s Dad in the pivotal final scene in Field of Dreams ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 08, 2016 Bruce Bohner rated it really liked it

If you've seen "Field of Dreams", cried (yeah, you are still 'a guy' ...it's OK), and wished to continue your therapy, I prescribe "If You Build It". Dwier Brown, who played the dad, John Kinsella to Kevin Costner's Ray Kinsella in the film writes a very readable, reassuring and yep, therapeutic book. It's a combination of 'making of the film memoir', 'man therapy' and personal memoir.
Dwier is my age, born within an hour of my home and grew up with a lot of the same circumstances with Pop that ...more

flag Like · see review

Aug 18, 2014 Sharon rated it it was amazing

I thoroughly enjoyed the substance, introspection, and characters of this book. Having recently met Dwier Brown when he attended the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival last April, his personable persona gave special voice to his story. I gave autographed copies to my brother and husband for Christmas this year, and after hearing how much they both enjoyed the book, read it myself! I'm so happy that I did. Having experienced what the movie experience brought to our town, right down to our ...more

flag Like · see review

Jun 03, 2014 Craig Dyson rated it really liked it

I happened to come across this book on accident but I am really glad I did. Really enjoyed the book and the writing of Mr Brown. Felt he did a great job of weaving his own relationship with his dad with behind the scenes recounts of Field of Dreams, and how his part in this magical movie has impacted so many people. The only part I found not as interesting is the section when he recounts his early time in acting in Chicago. Other than that, I really enjoyed the book and would love to read ...more

flag Like · see review

Jun 19, 2014 Jeff Lenhart rated it it was amazing

I met Mr. Dwier Brown at the 25th Anniversary Showing of "Field of Dreams." A few days later, I purchased this book from him.
I started reading this yesterday and JUST finished it, what a great book! The stories of Mr. Brown's own childhood, and the stories of people that have come up to him, even the stories of the filming of the movie, I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I hope Mr. Brown another book soon, because I have no doubt it will be just as good as "If You Build It..."
What a great book by ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 02, 2014 Jeanne rated it it was amazing

A Goodreads Giveaway. Thank You!
If you liked the movie “Field of Dreams,” you will love the book “If You Build It.” Dwier Brown blends his own childhood, his five minutes in the movie “Field of Dreams” and how the movie impacted so many people into one interesting and inspiring read. This book will appeal to both the avid reader and those who are movie buffs. Be prepared to shed a few tears, look back at your own life, and simply feel better that you took the time to read “If You Build It.”

flag Like · see review

Sep 08, 2014 Carrie rated it it was amazing

"You once wrote, there comes a time when all the cosmic tumblers have clicked into place and the universe opens it's self up for a few seconds to show you what's possible."
This quote is from the movie, Field of Dreams.....but it's soul, the depth of it's meaning, resonates--shines..in this book! What a gift!! Fantastic weaving..of the past/present/fact and fiction, and the revealing power of the universe....

flag Like · see review

May 10, 2015 Scott rated it it was amazing

I have watched the movie at least 50 times and it means more to me than any other song/show/movie I have ever experienced. This book ties a bow around the emotions I feel when watching the movie, and reading Dwier's personal feelings have allowed me to somewhat come to terms with my father's early death. Thank you for writing this book and the personalization you made to the book for my wife.

flag Like · see review

Aug 18, 2014 Paul Johnson rated it it was amazing

Dwier has succeeded in proving how his entire life story is inextricably interwoven with those he has personally met as well as those, like me, who share similar heartfelt feelings and memories.

flag Like · see review

May 08, 2018 Mary M. added it

I loved it. Can't wait to rewatch the movie!

flag Like · see review

Jul 24, 2017 Al rated it it was amazing

I loved this book. it was like reading three books in one, with great personal stories, movie stories, and stories about the some of the people the author met. I highly recommend.

flag Like · see review

« previous 1 2 next »